Former AFTER FOREVER singer Floor Jansen has issued the following update:

"On Sunday the 9th of August, I will do an exclusive live show with the RED LIMO STRING QUARTET [at the Summer Darkness festival in Utrecht, Holland]! Last year we did a similar show, and after many positive reactions, we will play AFTER FOREVER songs again in this special form. Joost van de Broek (AFTER FOREVER keyboardist) made arrangements for this string quartet."

For more information on the Summer Darkness festival, go to this location.

Video footage of Floor Jansen performing with the RED LIMO STRING QUARTET at the festival De Ontlading in Eindhoven, Holland on November, 23, 2008 can be viewed below.

In February 2009, the AFTER FOREVER members announced their decision to go their separate ways, stating, "The break we took in 2008 made us appreciate all the more what we'd experienced. Now more than ever, we can look back on so many fantastic moments, something we never would have expected to be part of when we started the band all those years ago. However, that break also made us aware of the fact that we can only continue AFTER FOREVER with the energy, the full 110%, that we have always put into it and we've noticed lately that there is something missing. We have always been musicians who create music with lots of passion, and during the break we built up our own lives again and have been musically active and experimenting in several genres.

"Although AFTER FOREVER is very special to us, we feel that we have reached the point where we need to explore the world of music in each of our own different ways. Thus, we've decided to quit while we're ahead. We are sincerely proud of every CD; each album represents a unique period, and all comes together in our last album, 'After Forever', which made all of our dreams possible. We hope AFTER FOREVER will continue to be a source of inspiration for new bands and musicians alike so that our music can live on."

Drum-cam footage of Glen Sobel performing with IMPELLITTERI on July 23, 2009 at Shibuya O East in Tokyo, Japan can be viewed below. The band played tunes off its latest release, "Wicked Maiden", as well as other classic tunes. The clip also includes drum solo footage.

IMPELLITTERI's current touring lineup consists of the following musicians:

Chris Impellitteri - Guitar
Rob Rock - Vocals
James Pulli - Bass
Ed Roth - Keyboards
Glen Sobel - Drums

Ulterium Records released a limited-edition 12" picture-disc edition of the new IMPELLITTERI album, "Wicked Maiden", on August 4. A deal was inked with the German label Metal Heaven that released the album in Europe on April 24.

The LP is strictly limited to 250 copies.

Side A:

01. Wicked Maiden
02. Last Of A Dying Breed
03. Weapons Of Mass Distortion
04. Garden Of Eden
05. The Vision

Side B:

01. Eyes Of An Angel
02. Hi-School Revolution
03. Wonderful Life
04. Holy Man
05. The Battle Rages On

The LP is available for order at the Ulterium Records Store.

Issued in Japan on February 25 via Victor Entertainment, "Wicked Maiden" reunites Chris Impellitteri with longtime lead vocalist and writing collaborator Rob Rock, The band — featuring Impellitteri, Rock, bassist James Pulli and drummer Brandon Wild — "challenged the boundaries of conventional metal by utilizing music theory, technique, innovation, technology, and creative story telling," according to a press release. "The result is an intense guitar driven metal album that will satisfy the appetite of any true metal fan. 'Wicked Maiden' features memorable guitar riffs, fast shredding guitar solos, amazing screaming vocals, exciting lyrical content, and a mean heavy rhythm section."

"Wicked Maiden" took three years to complete from the writing through the mixing and mastering. Engineer and co-producer Greg Reely worked tirelessly to create a sonic freight train.



(Thanks: Fullshred)

Rick Florino of ARTISTdirect recently conducted an interview with SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya. A few excerpts from the chat follow below.

ARTISTdirect: New songs like "Psychopathy Red" and "Hate Worldwide" maintain SLAYER's traditional speed and intensity.

Araya: Everybody is going to love the new album. It's awesome. It's very classic SLAYER. It's everything you want to hear in a SLAYER album. You won't be disappointed, let's put it that way.

ARTISTdirect: Does "World Painted Blood" continue SLAYER's storytelling tradition?

Araya: It does [Laughs]. The title track is actually really cool. It's the one song that I can't wait for everybody to hear. There are a few tracks on there I can't wait for the world to experience, but the title track is just big [Laughs].

ARTISTdirect: What was the genesis of it?

Araya: Shit, it fell together like a lot of the songs did on this album. We had the music, and then we started working out the parts. Jeff [Hanneman, guitar] brought in words, and he kept bringing in words. I offered some words and lyric ideas. There are a lot of dynamics in the song. I think everyone is going to enjoy it. It's a very big song. That's all I've got to say [Laughs].

ARTISTdirect: What's the story behind "Psychopathy Red"?

Araya: We recorded that one last year in October with two other songs. That was the song that initiated the idea of staying in the studio and recording as opposed to doing a tour in January and February. "Psychopathy Red" was the first one we recorded, and it just fell together. Boom, it was done! We had it done in less than a week. We figured that we should just work on a whole album. The bulk of material came out when we were in the studio while we were recording, which is new for us.

ARTISTdirect: Was "Psychopathy Red" the album's catalyst?

Araya: Yeah, that one sparked it. That's about a Russian serial killer named Andrei Chikatilo. He came out in the '80s around the same time that Jeffrey Dahmer and an Englishman by the name of Dennis Nilsen were doing what they were doing — you know what I mean? Dahmer and Nilsen were doing the homophobic thing, and this Russian guy was doing the little kid thing. All three were killing and eating their victims. We came out with a seven-inch vinyl for "Psychopathy Red". All of the record and song information is in Russian. It's pretty cool.

ARTISTdirect: Do you watch a lot of movies while you're writing?

Araya: It depends on the movie. Sometimes if I'm writing on a subject and I happen to watch a movie that deals with that subject, things will spark. I'll write scenes of what I see and try to describe them the best way I can. Books do that too. Jeff wrote about Unit 731, which was a Japanese military medical unit that did experiments on people to judge different things. A subject like the philosophy and the theory behind frost bite will inspire me — different ways to survive frost bite. You look these up on the Internet. You want to read up on it and make sure that what you're singing about is what you're trying to convey. You have to do a little reading [Laughs].

ARTISTdirect: It always seems like SLAYER records require some research.

Araya: Oh yeah! It's good research because I'm learning! In the middle of all that I'm learning. You're teaching the fans something too [Laughs]. They'll go, "Wow, what's that?" Then they'll research the true story and all of the disgusting details.

ARTISTdirect: SLAYER has created its own myth. Kids can still pick up "Hell Awaits" or "Reign In Blood", delve into them and ask questions.

Araya: There are definitely stories behind a lot of our songs.

ARTISTdirect: That's probably why you have such devout and crazy fans.

Araya: [Laughs] I don't know! That isn't why we have crazy fans. When we put out our first record, "Show No Mercy", on Metal Blade, it tripped the label out because we had sold so many records. We sold something like 16,000 copies, which blew their minds. They immediately wanted another record, so we did the "Haunting the Chapel" EP. We didn't have quite an album but we had an EP. To me, it was surprising when we had such a strong response to the first album. It blew my mind. Right out of the gate, we sold quite a bit. I guess at the time it was unheard of for Metal Blade because they immediately wanted another record. They got the EP, and then we gave them "Hell Awaits". It was the same thing with "Reign In Blood". Right away it sold a lot of records, and the response we got was really surprising.

Read the entire interview from ARTISTdirect.

According to a Twitter message sent by Billie Perry, the wife of AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry, the band's singer, Steven Tyler, broke received stitches in his head and back following Wednesday's fall off the stage during a concert in South Dakota.

Tyler, 61, also broke his shoulder during the mishap, which occurred on the veteran rock band's ill-starred summer tour, an insider told Reuters on Thursday.

"Yes he is very sore," Billie Perry wrote, adding that there was no word yet on when the tour would resume.

Tyler accidentally stepped backward off a catwalk while performing "Love in an Elevator" for thousands of motorbike aficionados attending an annual gathering at Buffalo Chip Campground in the town of Sturgis.

Read more from Reuters.

Cole Mathisen of KIMT — a CBS affiliate television station serving Mason City, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; and Austin, Minnesota — reports: The future of a major rock festival is uncertain.

The general manager of Diamond Jo Casino in Worth County tells us they're not allowing Rock Gone Wild to happen on any of the casino's licensed grounds.

Promoters are planning to issue a press release at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. They were hoping for a crowd of ten thousand people, now they’re working with lawyers to come up with a plan.

We talked to several of the management companies who oversee some of the headlining acts. Some believe the event is still on while others think it's all but dead.

Hundreds of people who had bought tickets to see major acts are wondering what will happen to their money; others living in Worth County invested a lot more.

Read the entire article from KIMT.

Among the bands that were scheduled to appear at Rock Gone Wild were SAXON, JACKYL, WARRANT, TWISTED SISTER, SKID ROW, LITA FORD, DOKKEN, GREAT WHITE, KIX, L.A. GUNS (featuring Phil Lewis), CANDLEBOX and SEVENDUST.

Chris Dick of Decibel magazine recently conducted an interview with producer/engineer Erik Rutan (CANNIBAL CORPSE, MORBID ANGEL) about his work on the upcoming NILE album, "Those Whom The Gods Detest". An excerpt from the chat follows below.

Decibel: What impressed you about the upcoming NILE record?

Erik Rutan: First of all, working with NILE in any capacity is something great. The collaboration with [producer] Neil [Kernon; CANNIBAL CORPSE, NEVERMORE, DEICIDE] is just awesome. I'm used to manning the ship all the time, so having someone like Neil, who is obviously a well-known producer, was really cool. NILE is one of the best death metal bands out there, they're great guys and incredible musicians. To get the call that they were going to do drums at Mana, I was totally stoked about it. I didn't hear any pre-production before they came in. I normally get pre-production months in advance. My role for this record was engineering drums. George's [Kollias] drums were huge. It was a massive beast of a kit, befitting a massive beast of a drummer. He came in and tore the place apart. He's one of the best death metal drummers I've worked with and I've worked with the best. It was an intense session with some intense people. The drum takes, the performances, the tones came out stellar. Just having all those ears on things was a great experience. Because of the collaboration the drums came out incredible.

Decibel: So, you just engineered the drums?

Rutan: Yeah. That's it. We made sure all the click tracks were in place for the drums. We laid down some scratch guitars for the songs. They were open to any suggestions I made as far as ideas for the songs. It was an open game for everyone to comment on things. My role was engineer though.

Decibel: Why do you think they called you for the drums?

Rutan: There are a lot of great engineers out there, so I'm sure someone else would've done a great job. But they love the studio. I have a nice facility. I have a pretty big drum room. It's exclusively for drums. I've always played with incredible drummers throughout my career. I'm also lucky to have produced some amazing drummers. Certainly, when it comes to death metal drumming, I understand it. I understand guitars, bass, and vocals too. You name it! I feel like I have a great grasp on death metal. I've always wanted to work with NILE. I guess they felt the same. I look at it this way, I wasn't sure what my involvement was going to be, but I wanted to be involved. In any way. They've always been hard working, dedicated guys. I remember they drove all the way across the country to play with us on the MORBID ANGEL tour. So, to see them succeed over the last decade and end up down here to record is really awesome.

Read more from Decibel magazine/

NILE guitarist/vocalist Karl Sanders told Exclaim! magazine last month about the recording process for the band's's new album, which is due in November via Nuclear Blast Records, "Gruelling. Exhausting. This album has consumed 12 to 14 hours of my life every day since May . . . We started off in pre-production in Greenville, South Carolina, then relocated to Tampa to work with Erik Rutan on recording drums. At the moment, we are in Greenville, just finished slaving away on rhythm guitars. When we finish vocals, bass, leads and so forth, we will go up to Chicago at Rax Trax to mix."

He added, "Musically, the new disc is unrelenting, overwhelming brutality, with lots of various Eastern influences. Lyrically there are new and interesting influences from various Middle Eastern cultures."

A new promotional video for "Out Of Ashes", the forthcoming debut album from LINKIN PARK singer Chester Bennington's side project, DEAD BY SUNRISE, can be viewed below.

DEAD BY SUNRISE recently finished filming videos for the songs "Crawl Back In" and "Let Down". with director P.R. Brown (SLIPKNOT, MÖTLEY CRÜE, KORN, GODSMACK, AVENGED SEVENFOLD). Both tracks will appear on "Out Of Ashes", which is scheduled for release on October 13.

DEAD BY SUNRISE recently launched its MySpace page and posted a song there called "Morning After".

Bennington began working on DEAD BY SUNRISE back in 2006, explaining, "I came up with a few songs that felt and sounded really good, but I knew they weren't right stylistically for LINKIN PARK. They were darker and moodier than anything I'd come up with for the band. So I decided to work on them on my own rather than turn them over and have them transformed into LINKIN PARK tracks."

The band, which is Bennington on vocals, guitarists Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh (from ORGY/JULIEN-K), bassist Brandon Belsky, drummer Elias Anda (also from JULIEN-K), and keyboardist Anthony Valcic, recorded "Out Of Ashes" in Los Angeles with producer Howard Benson (MOTÖRHEAD, MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE).



Photo credit: Travis Shinn

"We Are Pirates", the new video from German melodic metallers ORDEN OGAN, can be viewed below. The clip features an appearance by former RUNNING WILD guitarist Majk Moti, who is fighting the evil pirate king and has to prove himself by dueling ORDEN OGAN guitarist Tobi.

"We Are Pirates" is the first video to be released from the upcoming ORDEN OGAN album, "Easton Hope", which is scheduled for release in early 2010.

Commented ORDEN OGAN singer Seeb: "RUNNING WILD has always been a big influence to us. 'We Are Pirates' is the ultimate RUNNING WILD homage. It was sad to hear that they [were] going to play their farewell show at this year's Wacken Open Air. This is our way to say 'Thank you, Rock 'n' Rolf' for many hours of great music!"

If you pay close attention, you will see that the "We Are Pirates" lyrics are completely based on Lucas Arts/Lucasfilm Games adventure classic "Monkey Island".

According to a press release, "the traditional roots of [ORDEN OGAN's] sound are, of course, contemporary modern, effortlessly avoiding cliche and is able to remain fresh and original. Symphonic keyboards melt into grinding guitar riffs and bombastic choir and orchestral arrangements creating an impressive wall of sound. Modern and traditional and the most original in their class of what Germany has to offer lately. ORDEN OGAN have rocked many stages and shows in the entire Republic of Germany and some of her neighbors with artists such as DORO, SUBWAY TO SALLY, IN EXTREMO, TESTAMENT, CLAWFINGER, SCHANDMAUL, CORVUS CORAX, BLAZE, AXXIS, RAGE, EISREGEN, NAPALM DEATH and many more."

Quality fan-filmed video footage of CANNIBAL CORPSE's July 29, 2009 performance at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania during this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival can be viewed below (courtesy of "hellawaits77NY").

CANNIBAL CORPSE has just released its ENTIRE discography in one digital package on iTunes. A Metal Blade Records press release states: "We know a lot of you probably have either worn out your copies of 'The Bleeding' or you just might need to fill out your collection. Plus, CANNIBAL CORPSE has always been a band that plays songs from their entire catalogue while on tour so here's your chance to learn the rest of the songs you might not know! Head over to iTunes to grab this digital bundle for an incredibly low price. In total, you'll receive 16 albums and 196 songs."

Albums include:

"Eaten Back To Life" (12 tracks)
"Butchered At Birth" (10 tracks)
"Tomb Of The Mutilated" (10 tracks)
"Hammer Smashed Face" (3 tracks)
"The Bleeding" (11 tracks)
"Vile" (11 tracks)
"Gallery Of Suicide" (14 tracks)
"Bloodthirst" (11 tracks)
"Live Cannibalism" (18 tracks)
"Gore Obsessed" (11 tracks)
"Worm Infested" (6 tracks)
"The Wretched Spawn" (13 tracks)
"Kill" (13 tracks)
"Evisceration Plague" (12 tracks)
Bonus Demo Tracks (18 tracks)
Bonus Live Tracks (23 tracks)

Purchase on iTunes here.

As previously reported, CANNIBAL CORPSE issued a limited-edition 96-page comic book exclusively at the Hot Topic booth on this summer's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Drawn entirely by Vince Locke, who illustrated the acclaimed graphic novel "A History of Violence" and each of the band's album covers, the "Evisceration Plague" comic graphically depicts a story for every song on the band's album of the same name — arranged in order, no less. As an added bonus, each copy comes with a copy of the album.

CANNIBAL CORPSE will embark on the European Plague Tour in the fall. Direct support will come from DYING FETUS. On the mainland, the package will be completed by EVOCATION and OBSCURA, while TRIGGER THE BLOODSHED and ANNOTATIONS OF AN AUTOPSY will support the bands in the U.K.

Finnish industrial death/thrash metal act SCORNGRAIN has issued the following update:

"After long period of recordings, our third album is finally ready. The work was done at several locations by ourselves during the spring. Drums, mixing and finishing touches were made at studio Guru in Joensuu.

"We all feel it's more personal in many ways than ever before. The result is what were looking for: extreme metal with real industrial touch in it. More crunch in sound, catchy compositions and best production so far.

"Release date for the album isn't decided yet due to cancellation of our first live through Europe but we all hope that 'Utopia.Paranoia.Perversions!' will be released on late autumn.

"Some of the new titles: 'Age Of Disgust', 'Satan Is My Copilot', 'Bloodrush', 'Cat O' Nine Tales', 'Once In A Knifetime'.

"There's also some changes in line-up. Our longtime friend and outstanding guitarist Seba Forma, also known as A.I., is no longer a part of SCORNGRAIN. We all wish him good luck with his thrash assault AXEGRESSOR! The new starring string-slinger, Mr. Lukinmaa, will take his seat at high court of our industrial inferno. Single song will appear on our MySpace and new web hospice soon, stay tuned!"

SCORNGRAIN's new CD a will be released via Dynamic Arts Records.

The band's second full-length album, "0,05%", was released in Finland in October 2006.

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/scorngrain.

ARKAEA/FEAR FACTORY members Christian Olde Wolbers (guitar) and Raymond Herrera (drums) will be the featured guests on this weekend's (August 6-8) edition of Full Metal Jackie's nationally syndicated radio show.

To see a full list of stations carrying the program and when it airs, go to FullMetalJackieRadio.com.

ARKAEA recently filmed a video for the song "Gone Tomorrow" with Dale "Rage" Resteghini (HATEBREED, TRIVIUM, MUDVAYNE) and Dan Dobi (BLEEDING THROUGH, CANNIBAL CORPSE, WARBRINGER) at the helm. The clip is expected to make its online debut soon.

"Years In The Darkness", the debut album from ARKAEA sold 980 copies in the United States in its first week of release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The CD landed at position No. 39 on the Top New Artist Albums (Heatseekers) chart, which lists the best-selling albums by new and developing artists, defined as those who have never appeared in the Top 100 of The Billboard 200.

"Years In The Darkness" was released in the U.S. on July 14 via E1 Music (formerly KOCH Records). The CD was produced by Christian Olde Wolbers and ARKAEA and mixed by legendary producer Terry Date, best known for his work with the DEFTONES, SLIPKNOT, WHITE ZOMBIE, SOUNDGARDEN and PANTERA. The album was mastered at Sterling Sound by Ted Jensen, who mastered FEAR FACTORY's gold-certified 1998 release "Obsolete".

Vocalist Jon Howard has been a part of the FEAR FACTORY family ever since Wolbers served as producer for THREAT SIGNAL's debut, "Under Reprisal". Given that connection, the chemistry was there the instant the band started jamming. Howard has managed to push himself as a singer with the help of the veteran musicians. "I always try to do new things and experiment with my voice, and this project has been challenging," said Howard. "It always takes a little time to get comfortable working with new people and a new style of music, but I got over that really fast with Christian and Raymond, and I feel very comfortable where we're going right now."

"Locust", the debut video from ARKAEA can be viewed below.

Commented Herrera: "'Locust' was our first pick for a music video and as the opening track for the album because it really sets the tempo of the album and is a strong track that shows a great introduction to what ARKAEA is all about. We knew that we needed to come out swinging and 'Locust' definitely offers that punch."

(Thanks: Andrew / The Space Lord)

Starting August 17, the new video from New England's SHADOWS FALL, "Still I Rise", will be available exclusively on Music Choice, the award-winning, multi-platform music network. Forty million music fans across the country will have exclusive access to the video on Music Choice On Demand — the most popular free video-on-demand network in the country.

"Still I Rise" is the first video from the band's upcoming album, "Retribution", which is scheduled for release on September 15 via Everblack Industries. The video was helmed by longtime SHADOWS FALL director Zack Merck at the Affliction warehouse in southern California, and was shot in the ring with actual Affliction fighters! Fans were invited to come down and rock out, and they received a special place as extras in the video.

Commented vocalist Brian Fair: "We are all very excited about the upcoming debut of the video for 'Still I Rise', the first single from our new album, 'Retribution'. About a month ago, we meet up with director Zach Merck and his film crew at the Affliction clothing warehouse in southern California. The folks at Affliction were cool enough to have some of their MMA fighters and ring girls come down and allow us to shoot them in action in their cage while extras we had invited were all around them going insane. Even Basko got in on the action for a quick cameo. We then ran through a bunch of takes of the song with the fans up close, including full circle pits around the band. It looks amazing and draws a cool parallel between the aggression of a cage fight and the fury of a metal show. Thanks to all the extras, the fighters, Affliction and Zach and company for making it such a great day."

SHADOWS FALL created Everblack Industries label in conjunction with Warner Music Group's ILG, Ferret Music and ChannelZERO Entertainment.

"Retribution" was produced by Chris "Zeuss" Harris (HATEBREED, MUNICIPAL WASTE), with vocal production by Elvis Baskette (INCUBUS, ALTER BRIDGE). The cover artwork (see below) was created by Sons of Nero (UNEARTH, EVERY TIME I DIE, BRING ME THE HORIZON).

"Retribution" track listing:

01. The Path to Imminent Ruin
02. My Demise
03. Still I Rise
04. War
05. King Of Nothing (feat. Randy Blythe)
06. The Taste Of Fear
07. Embrace Annihilation
08. Picture Perfect
09. A Public Execution
10. Dead And Gone

SHADOWS FALL will take part in a signing session at the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival on August 8 in Hartford, Connecticut. The signing will take place at the Comcast Theatre at 3:00 p.m.

"Threads of Life" was made available through Atlantic in the U.S. and Roadrunner Records in Europe.

PARADISE LOST, THE GATHERING, BEHEMOTH, UNEARTH, SAXON and ENSLAVED are among the confirmed bands for the Tattoo The Mind #2 festival, set to take place October 10-11, 2009 at Les Arènes in Metz, France.

The festival billing is shaping up as follows:

Saturday, October 10, 2009:

PARADISE LOST
THE GATHERING
BEHEMOTH
MASS HYSTERIA
CHIMAIRA
UNEARTH
THROWDOWN
DAATH
SONIC SYNDICATE
SHINING
CRUCIFIED BARBARA
TREPALIUM
GOROD

Sunday, October 11, 2009:

SAXON
YOTANGOR
ENSLAVED
LES TAMBOURS DU BRONX
NAPALM DEATH
ENSIFERUM
MARDUK
VADER
ULTRA VOMIT
NIGHTMARE
DELAIN
DARKNESS DYNAMITE
FEI COMODO

The first Tattoo The Mind event was staged in 2004 and featured performances by REPULSION, DESTRUCTION, ARKHON INFAUSTUS, KRISIUN, BEHEMOTH, INCANTATION, RAGNAROK, MISANTHROPE, TREPALIUM, GARWALL, ACTS OF GODS, DESTINITY, DISSECTION, ANCIENT, ATROCITY, SETH, ANTAEUS and TEXTURES.

For more information, visit www.tattoothemind.fr.

EMG TV conducted an interview with SLAYER bassist/vocalist Tom Araya at this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. Watch the chat below.

SLAYER recently made another track from its upcoming album, "World Painted Blood", available for streaming at Hot Topic's ShockHound.com web site. The limited-edition single, a Kerry King composition, is titled "Hate Worldwide", and is available exclusively as a CD-single at Hot Topic stores.

"It's a really cool track, and Tom's voice sounds incredible on it," said King. "The last line in the song's chorus is '..spread a little hate worldwide,' and that's what we've been doing for 25 years."

"World Painted Blood" was recorded in Los Angeles over two time periods, during October 2008 and then between late January and March 2009. The CD was produced by Greg Fidelman, who's spent time in the studio with METALLICA, THE GOSSIP, THE (INTERNATIONAL) NOISE CONSPIRACY, SLIPKNOT and others, and executive-produced by longtime SLAYER colleague Rick Rubin, who suggested Fidelman for the project.

SLAYER — Araya, guitarists King and Jeff Hanneman, and drummer Dave Lombardo — is currently co-headlining the Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival with MARILYN MANSON, KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, among others.

Nasso Ruskov of Bulgaria's Tangra Mega Rock recently conducted an interview with vocalist Zak Tell of the Swedish rap/metal combo CLAWFINGER. A couple of excerpts from the chat follow below.

Tangra Mega Rock: What's new in the CLAWFINGER camp then?

Zak: Hmm…. That's a hard question to answer, but I'll put it in a few words. What's new is that we're just trying to survive like all the other bands out there. The business is very different from what it was 15 years ago. You can't survive only by being in a band these days, so we're working and doing what we have to do to pay the rent and trying to find time for CLAWFINGER. The only plan we have for a release at the moment is a remake of "Deaf Dumb Blind" for the 20th anniversary . The plan is to re-record all the songs from that album and bring in guests. We've been talking to some of the guys from RAMMSTEIN and Peter Tägtgren from PAIN and HYPOCRISY. We've made some friends through the years and hopefully we can get them to add their own flavorings and colorings to those old tracks.

Tangra Mega Rock: So you're going to completely re-record the songs?

Zak: Yes. Because next year is the 20th anniversary since we started the band, so… it's a sort of celebration. I mean, we celebrate every time we're out playing anyway. It's also like a special treat for the fans who've stuck with us. It remains to be seen how it turns out, but if we can actually gather with these musician friends, then it can hopefully be something more than just a cheap remake that sounds more or less like the original. The plan is to make something a bit different.

Tangra Mega Rock: I was just about to ask you about RAMMSTEIN. Seeing as your drummer Henka plays in Richard Kruspe's side project EMIGRATE. are you friendly with those guys?

Zak: We actually don't have Henka with us anymore, but it's true that he did play with Richard on his solo album. I don't know how much you can actually know guys in other bands these days because all bands are busy doing their own thing. What a lot of people don't know, though, is that RAMMSTEIN supported us in 1995, when we were bigger and they were smaller. So we've known them since then, more or less. And of course they paid us back by letting us support them on their 2001 tour. I mean, there is some history there, we've done remixes for them and a bit of this and that, so there is some sort of connection, but it's not as if we call each other every day and chit-chat.

Tangra Mega Rock: back when you guys first broke big, people were constantly comparing you to RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE, saying that you were both feisty, belligerent, political bands, whose music contained elements of rock, rap, metal and even funk….

Zak: Well, I understand where that's coming from, but, to be honest, I don't hear a lot of similarities. I mean, he's called Zack and I'm Zak, he raps and so do I, but beyond that, what they do is funky, blues-metal riffs with a much more overtly political stance to the whole thing, whereas we're more… we're more square, if you like…and more German, more sort of "march" music. There's not a whole lot of funk in our music. My lyrics are maybe slightly more personal than his, his are more sort of a Che Guevara approach. I mean, I take it as a compliment, I don't have a problem with it, but I really don't see us as being very similar to each other. I've heard us compared loads of times and it doesn't bother me, but I just never understood it that much.

Tangra Mega Rock: Speaking of political, we all remember 2003 when your song "Step Aside" caused a bit of an uproar in the States with its anti-Bush stance… How would you comment the current political state of affairs around the world?

Zak: Well, politics are politics, what's there to say? There's a reason the word rhymes with polytricks as well. Otherwise that's a big question! I'm not saying that we never were political, but I guess it was much more from a personal point of view and much more from a point of view where you're looking at what's going on and making a commentary on it. I've never claimed to be left-wing or right-wing… I'd lose a political debate within minutes if I was to talk to someone who knew their shit. I've always gone more with common sense and feelings and my gut telling me what's right and wrong, good and bad. Of course, I make comments about homophobia and racism and all those things, 'cause they're things that should concern any sane human being that has feelings.

Tangra Mega Rock: CLAWFINGER has played and toured with many famous acts. Who were the coolest?

Zak: I would have to say that the best guys were ALICE IN CHAINS. I remember very clearly before the first gig we did — at Brixton Academy in London — Jerry [Cantrell] and Layne [Staley] came into our dressing room and told us that if there was anything that we felt bad about, or that if we felt mistreated, then to let them know. They wanted to make sure that we felt comfortable and that we had a good time because they had experienced the opposite when they were supporting VAN HALEN. They were exactly like Beavis and Butthead, but in a good way — they just came into the dressing room and chilled and told us these things. That was our first-ever European tour as a support, so that was very important for us. And then also the fact that we were all massive fans. When we got the call that we'd be supporting ALICE IN CHAINS on a European tour, we thought someone was pulling our leg. And it turned out to be true. They did amazing gigs, they were an amazing band… They're still an amazing band, but there's an important person missing, as far as I'm concerned. I know they're back and they're probably still good. I haven't heard any of the new stuff and what the new vocalist sounds like. But I'm old school and to me ALICE IN CHAINS were with Layne Staley. I know that makes me an old fart, but I'll have to accept that and live with it.

The entire interview is available in text and audio format at Tangra Mega Rock. It can also be streamed using the audio player below.



Bunch TV conducted an interview with Zak Tell when CLAWFINGER played the Devilside Festival on June 28, 2009 at Landschaftspark in Duisburg-Nord, Germany. Watch the chat below.

"Sot", the debut album from former SCAR SYMMETRY vocalist Christian Älvestam's THE FEW AGAINST MANY project (in which he plays rhythm guitar and sings), will be released on September 15 via Pulverised Records. The effort will be made available in a super jewel box format and limited digipack format edition. "Sot" will also receive an exclusive vinyl version edition release, also via Pulverised. It will be available in two different formats: gatefold sleeve with black vinyl and gatefold sleeve with picture-disc vinyl (both formats will be strictly limited to 250 copies each).

"Sot" ("Soot" in English) was recorded at Panic Room studios with producer Tomas "Plec" Johansson and features lyrical contributions from Mikael Stanne (DARK TRANQUILITY) and Jonas Renkse (KATATONIA, BLOODBATH). The cover artwork (see below) was created by acclaimed artist Dan Seagrave (MORBID ANGEL, ENTOMBED, DISMEMBER, SUFFOCATION).

"Sot" track listing:

01. Hädanfärd
02. Bränd Mark
03. Blod
04. Skapelsens Sorti
05. Sot
06. Abider
07. Heresi
08. One With The Shadow

Comments Christian: "It's a great honor and privilege to once again work with my good friend Roy Yeo and his Pulverised Records. We have known each other for almost 12 years now, through our past work together with UNMOORED and QUEST OF AIDANCE, so it feels very much like coming home in a way. We are very happy and excited to see where this re-established cooperation can lead us as a team!"

THE FEW AGAINST MANY is:

Christian Älvestam - Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Patrik Gardberg - Lead Guitar
Anders Edlund - Bass
Pär Johansson - Backing Vocals
Jani Stefanovic - Drums

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/thefewagainstmany.

Christian Älvestam announced his departure from SCAR SYMMETRY in September 2008, explaining in a statement, "We've decided to part ways . . mainly [because] of different outlooks on musical production and touring. Of course it's sad to see that SCAR SYMMETRY will not continue in its present form, but unfortunately these things happen. I hope SCAR SYMMETRY will go on being successful, while I myself will for sure keep on singing, playing, writing and performing my own music, in various shapes and forms, for a very long time. My musical journey has just begun!"

CBC News reports that concert organizers are bracing for a potential record turnout at Thursday night's outdoor AC/DC show in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.

Donald Tarlton said that as of Wednesday night, more than 55,000 tickets had been sold.

And with a sunny forecast, Tarlton said he is expecting thousands more to buy tickets on Thursday.

"We're expecting a good walk-up and we've set up several booths to handle the anticipated people," he said.

"We look like we're going to be well north of 60,000 and we have a chance to go for the record."

When Moncton hosted THE ROLLING STONES in 2005, the first outdoor mega concert at the Magnetic Hill venue, roughly 78,000 fans showed up.

Read more from CBC News.

On July 29, Kevin "Taz" Conklin of "The Big Dumb Radio Show" (web site), which airs on Kalamazoo, Michigan's 92.5 WZUU FM radio station, conducted an interview with Wayne Static (guitar, vocals) of Los Angeles metallers STATIC-X. The chat is now available for streaming using the audio player below.



STATIC-X is recording most of its live performances from the current Pedal To The Metal tour with BLACK LABEL SOCIETY and MUDVAYNE and making them available to fans on a USB wristband for purchase at the STATIC-X merch booth right after the show. The USB sticks not only feature the night's performance audio but also a variety of exclusive bonus material put together by the band especially for their fans, such as a personal message to fans in the city of the show, a brand new picture gallery, several "Behind The Scenes – The Making of The Cult Of Static" video clips and links to related web sites.

"Cult of Static", the new album from STATIC-X, sold 19,000 copies in the United States in its first week of release to debut at position No. 16 on The Billboard 200 chart.

STATIC-X's previous CD, "Cannibal", opened with more than 30,000 copies back in April 2007 to land at No. 36. This represented a slight drop from the 35,000 tally registered by the band's "Start a War" album, which came out in June 2005 and debuted at No. 29.

As previously reported, STATIC-X has tapped drummer Will Hunt (EVANESCENCE, DARK NEW DAY, ex-SKRAPE, TOMMY LEE) to fill in for Nick Oshiro on the group's current tour. Hunt also appears in STATIC-X's new video for the song "Stingwray".

Oshiro is reportedly "taking a break" from STATIC-X, but has not officially left the band.

The Best Buy-exclusive version of "Cult of Static" features two bonus tracks — "W.F.O." and a cover of MÖTLEY CRÜE's "Looks That Kill".

Former STEREOMUD and current DANGEROUS NEW MACHINE vocalist Erik Rogers was the featured guest on the July 28, 2009 edition of the "All Knowing Force" web-based interview show. The conversation focuses on the rise and fall of STEREOMUD and the poor business management decisions that led to their demise.

The hour-long chat is available for download as an MP3 audio file at this location.

"Burn", the latest video from DANGEROUS NEW MACHINE, can be viewed below. The clip was directed/edited by Scott "El" Haney of El Haney Video Productions and includes studio as well as performance footage.

DANGEROUS NEW MACHINE is currently putting the finishing touches on a four-song EP entitled "Skeletons" with producer Rusty T. Cobb.

Rogers abandoned plans to utilize the STEREOMUD moniker for the project, which also features guitarist Billy Grey (ex-FOZZY, SICK SPEED) and drummer Rodney Beaubouef (ex-STUCK MOJO).

DANGEROUS NEW MACHINE is:

Erik Rogers - Vocals
Billy Grey (ex-FOZZY, SICK SPEED) – Lead Guitar
Jake Kitchens - Bass
Rodney Beaubouef (ex-STUCK MOJO) – Drums

Fan-filmed video footage of MARILYN MANSON performing the song "Disposable Teens" on July 29, 2009 at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain in Scranton, Pennsylvania during this year's Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival can be viewed below (courtesy of "hellawaits77NY").

Marilyn Manson recently issued a warning on his MySpace blog against journalists who write "cavalier statements" about him or his band, saying there will be repercussions for the "soon-to-be-murdered-in-their-home press" if he spies any more fabrications. "If one more 'journalist' makes a cavalier statement about me and my band, I will personally or with my fans' help, greet them at their home and discover just how much they believe in their freedom of speech," Manson warned. "I dare you all to write one more thing that you won't say to my face. Because I will make you say it. In that manner. That is a threat."

According to RollingStone.com, Manson's comments were reportedly a reaction to a recent LA Weekly interview with Buddyhead.com founder Travis Keller, who talked about what it was like to meet Manson in 2007.

Ukrainian black metallers KHORS have issued the following update:

"Guitar player Nort has left KHORS. We thank our friend for the years he devoted to the band and his work in the creation of 2006's 'Cold' and 2008's 'Mysticism' albums as well as the solid concert activity which couldn't take place without his active help. We remain very good friends and we yet shall drink together in Glory of Us and Our Ancient Gods! Warth, the guitarist of death metal band FACES OF DEATH, has recently joined the band as Nort's replacement."

Video footage of KHORS (featuring Nort) performing the song "Garnet" can be viewed below (taken from the recently released "Metal Heads' Mission Festival 2008" DVD).

KHORS's third album, "Mysticism", was released in December 2008 via Paragon Records.

Formed by former ASTROFAES bassist Khorus, and later joined by Helg (RUNES OF DIANECHT) and Khaoth (TESSARACT, ex-ASTROFAES, ex-HATE FOREST), KHORS plays black metal in the Ukrainian style that combines a somber atmosphere with rich melodies.

Since its inception, KHORS has quickly garnered a reputation for its unforgettable live performances, playing alongside OBTEST, BEHEMOTH, BUTTERFLY TEMPLE, BLOODRAIN, and many more.

"Mysticism" was issued in a deluxe digipack and also features bonus live video tracks.

The track listing is as follows:

01. Through the Rays of Fading Moon
02. Raven's Dance
03. Milk of Heavens
04. Winterfall
05. In the Cold Embrace of Mist
06. Pagan Scars
07. Mysticism
08. Red Mirrors

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/khorspagan.

San Diego heavy metallers CAGE have been confirmed for Sweet Relief's Summer Slam '09 festival, set to take place Saturday, August 8 at ASU Fox Theater in San Bernardino, California. CAGE will perform a 30-minute set on the main stage starting at 8:00 p.m.

With over 20 bands playing on two stages, a custom car show, a beer garden and all kinds of incredible vendors, Sweet Relief's Summer Slam '09 is sure to be a major success in raising money for Sweet Relief Musicians Fund; a non-profit that gives financial assistance to career musicians who are struggling due to illness, disability or age-related problems.

CAGE's fifth album, "Science Of Annihilation", was released in Europe on May 22 through Music Buy Mail (June 7 in the rest of the world). The follow-up to the epic "Hell Destroyer" sees CAGE "pushing its boundaries yet again in every department," according to a press release. "With tracks like 'Planet Crusher', 'Speed Kills', and 'The Scarlet Witch', be prepared to feel the need to turn it up, get in your car and drive fast as Hell! All of the classic CAGE heavy metal sound is intact and found all throughout this 12-track smasher! Like all previous CAGE offerings, these songs will stick in your mind and cause many sleepless nights! If you love classic metal anthems, vocals that soar to the heavens and shatter glass, riffs that crunch your spine, and drums that blaze with thunder then behold…the science of annihilation!!"

The classic game of Bingo meets KISS.

Players choose a Bingo card to begin the game. There are 24 numbers per card plus a free space in the center of the card. The numbers run from 1 to 75. Once the game begins, the caller selects numbers at a random and calls them. As soon as the caller calls out a number, all the players place a Bingo chip on that number (if the number is on their card). The winner is determined when a player completes a winning bingo pattern (a line — either vertical, horizontal or diagonal, a full card (when all the numbers are to be covered or any pattern that the caller determines to be the winning combination prior to the game beginning).

The numbers in the columns of a Bingo card are selected at random and printed according to the range — Column B: 1 to 15, Column I: 16 to 30, Column N (this column contains four numbers and the free space): 31 to 45, Column G: 46 to 60 and in Column O: 61 to 75.

* Components - Tally board, Bingo markers, KISS Bingo cards (20), Bingo chips, drawstring bag with KISS logo embroidered on it.
* Playing time - 2-20 players (15-20 minutes)
* Features - Ages 8+, 2-20 Players

Note: Orders will ship on or around the second week of September.

Pre-order KISS Bingo at this location.

After originally stating that AEROSMITH's Friday, August 7 concert in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada would go on after the band's lead singer Steven Tyler suffered injuries in a stage fall Wednesday night in the U.S., promoters now say the show has been postponed, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.

The 61-year-old singer was airlifted to a hospital in Rapid City, S.D., Wednesday after falling off the stage during a concert at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

"Steven Tyler did get a bit banged up and had to have a few stitches, but all Canadian dates are going on as planned," an initial statement from the band's management said.

Tyler fell while entertaining the crowd by dancing around after the sound system failed during the song "Love in an Elevator", said Mike Sanborn, spokesman for the Buffalo Chip Campground, which hosted the outdoor concert.

Tyler was on the stage's catwalk when he fell backward onto a couple of fans in the middle of what was a record crowd, Sanborn said. Security rushed to help him and the crowd cheered when Tyler got back up.

"He was good-natured about it," Sanborn said. "He was in good spirits when he got in the helicopter. He was talking and joking with the physician."

Read more from the Winnipeg Free Press.

Former MEGADETH touring guitarist Mike Albert, who is currently the leader of MIKE ALBERT PROJECT, was recently interviewed by KNAC.COM. The chat is now available for streaming at this location.

"Weapons Of Mass Destruction", the new video from MIKE ALBERT PROJECT can be viewed below. The song comes off the group's new CD, "Afterlife", which was released in June via Big Deal Records.

According to a press release, Mike Albert's "name and credits are well known in international music circles as a session guitarist and top hired gun. His newest endeavor, the MIKE ALBERT PROJECT, lays down an earthshaking brand of metal edged rock that bridges the abyss of eras, genres and definitions — even the namesake guitarists own history — with pulverizing power. With tracks like 'Why Do You Always Say Goodbye', 'Realms' and 'Stalker', it's evident that the group has set up its own terrain and the band is well refined and supplies solid support for Albert's guitar wizardry. This is a well-defined melodic mastery that is evident with its song structures and intricate arrangement that stretch the borders of metal genre with hints of blues, jazz, baroque and classical cross currents. The MIKE ALBERT PROJECT is a cathartic reminder that real melodies will always communicate, heal, and transcend. Mike Albert's notable history is only a prelude for what is yet to come with 'Afterlife'."

MIKE ALBERT PROJECT is:

Mike Albert: Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
Richard Schroeder: Vocals
Jon Escobedo: Bass Guitar
Angel Lujan: Drums
Ruben Martinez: Guitar

According to ChicagoGigs.com, Mike Albert joined MEGADETH in April 1985 after the band had completed the recording of their debut album, "Killing is My Business… and Business is Good". The band's lead guitarist at the time, Chris Poland, had left the band due to personal reasons. In need of a new axeman for the upcoming tour, MEGADETH recruited Mike Albert, who performed all 40 shows with the group. Upon returning, he attended rehearsals for the "Peace Sells…But Who's Buying?" album but left the band shortly after due to "financial issues."

For more information, visit www.myspace.com/mikealbertproject.

"Ov Fire And The Void", the new video from Polish extreme metallers BEHEMOTH, can be viewed below. The clip was shot in Wroclaw with director Dariusz Szermanowicz and Grupa 13.

"Ov Fire And The Void" comes off BEHEMOTH's ninth full-length studio album, "Evangelion", which is scheduled for release on August 7 in Europe via Nuclear Blast Records and August 11 in North America through Metal Blade. The CD was mixed at Miloco Studios in London, England by Colin Richardson, who has previously worked with MACHINE HEAD, SLIPKNOT, NAPALM DEATH and BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE, among many others.

"Evangelion" track listing:

01. Daimonos
02. Shemaforash
03. Ov Fire And The Void
04. Transmigrating Beyond Realms Ov Amenti
05. He Who Breeds Pestilence
06. The Seed Ov I
07. Alas, Lord Is Upon Me
08. Defiling Morality Ov Black God
09. Lucifer

The digipack edition will include a bonus DVD with behind-the-scenes footage and expanded artwork.

The track "Ov Fire And The Void" is available for streaming on the band's MySpace page.

BEHEMOTH is currently on the road as part of the second annual Rockstar Energy Drink Mayhem Festival. The band is performing on the Hot Topic stage alongside CANNIBAL CORPSE, THE BLACK DAHLIA MURDER, JOB FOR A COWBOY and WHITECHAPEL.

Uncensored version:



Alternate/censored version:

Legendary heavy metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio (HEAVEN & HELL, BLACK SABBATH, RAINBOW, DIO) was interviewed by WDR's (German public TV) series "Rockpalast" prior to HEAVEN & HELL's June 16, 2009 concert at Museumsmeile in Bonn, Germany. Watch the chat below.

HEAVEN & HELL will bring its wicked world tour to North America for a select number of shows this August. The band will start its summer headlining music festivals across Europe before bringing its macabre stage show of metal classics to North America starting on August 7 in Vancouver. COHEED AND CAMBRIA will provide support on all shows except the Seattle date on August 8, which will feature NEUROSIS in the supporting slot.

"The Devil You Know", the new album from HEAVEN & HELL, has sold around 70,000 copies since its April 28 release, according to Nielsen SoundScan. It debuted at position No. 8 on The Billboard 200 chart with first-week sales of 30,000 units.

HEAVEN & HELL was forced to cancel its June 21 appearance at the Metalway Festival in Zaragoza, Spain due to back pain suffered by guitarist Tony Iommi.

Nightwish Belgium conducted an interview with NIGHTWISH keyboardist Tuomas Holopainen when the band played the Graspop Metal Meeting on June 28, 2009 on the festival grounds of the Boeretang in Dessel, Belgium. Watch the chat below.

Bazillion Points Books is offering a free download of "Chapter 5. The Upward Spiral", excerpted from the newly released North American edition of "Once Upon a Nightwish: The Official Biography 1996-2006", by Mape Ollila.

Joining the book in progress at the start of 2000 during the aftermath of "Oceanborn", this chapter gives inside perspective on events including NIGHTWISH's early gigs with RAGE and future bassist Marco Hietala's early band SINERGY; singer Tarja Turunen's bloody battles with mosquitoes in the wilds of Finland; the band and chief songwriter Tuomas Holopainen's rarely discussed and ill-fated flirtation with the Eurovision song contest; and the creation of what would ultimately be the breakthrough "Wishmaster" CD.

The sample chapter can be downloaded from Bazillion Points Books at this location.

In this remarkably revealing official biography, author Mape Ollila charts the rise from village student project to global stardom, gaining unprecedented access not just to the members of NIGHTWISH past and present; but also their families, their loyal and lewd crew, their peers, their critics, and countless other insiders from the NIGHTWISH adventure. The book lays bare the creative firepower and personal demons of songwriter Tuomas Holopainen; the unique talents and traits of guitarist Emppu Vuorinen, drummer Jukka Nevalainen, and bassist Marco Hietala; and the true reasons behind the 2005 departure of vocalist Tarja Turunen — in the band's words and hers.

Along the way, the band struggles with religious protesters, fortune-tellers, naked crew members, health problems, shady promoters, out-of-control fans, and the growing pains of an ever-steeper rock star learning curve. Happily ever after or not, these unique Finnish personalities are brought to life in this journey. For longtime fans and newcomers seeking the backstory of how NIGHTWISH came to where they are today, this is rare public airing of the mysteries that exist.

The 352-page paperback has been revamped by Bazillion Points from earlier Finnish editions, and features extensive corrections, with 32 pages of rare color images dating back to the dawn of the band, and a complete list of international concert appearances from the entire Tarja Turunen era, all on exquisite 100gsm paper with a glossy folding cover.

HANOI ROCKS guitarist/co-founder Andy McCoy will celebrate his long career by touring Finland in November with his new solo group, dubbed THE REAL MCCOY BAND.

Confirmed dates are as follows:

Nov. 04 - Vernissa - Tikkurila, Finland
Nov. 05 - Nosturi - Helsinki, Finland (w/ APULANTA)
Nov. 06 - Verkatehdas - Hämeenlinna, Finland (w/ APULANTA)
Nov. 07 - Bar Kino - Pori, Finland
Nov. 08 - Klubi - Tampere, Finland
Nov. 11 - Rytmikorjaamo - Seinäjoki, Finland
Nov. 12 - Kaustinen-Sali - Kaustinen, Finland
Nov. 13 - Umpitunneli - Tornio, Finland
Nov. 14 - [to be announced]

THE REAL MCCOY BAND is:

Andy McCoy (Finland) - Lead And Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Chris Shiflett (USA) - Lead And Rhythm Guitar, Vocals
Dan Lagersted (Sweden) - Bass, Vocals
Angela McCoy (USA) - Female Vocals, Percussions, Keyboards
Jolle Atlagic (Sweden) - Drums

A video message from Andy announcing his new band can be viewed below.

As previously reported, wooden statue of Andy McCoy was unveiled on July 25 in his birthplace of Pelkosenniemi, a municipality of Finland.

Commented McCoy: "First real statue is a great honor. Normally statues are being built only after the artist has died."

The wooden statue was sculpted by Andy's uncle, Matti Hulkko. As a child, Andy used to go fishing together with Matti to the waters near Pelkosenniemi.

McCoy's decadent autobiography, "Sheriff McCoy: Legend of Hanoi Rocks", is now available in English for the first time in a deluxe hardcover edition through North American publisher Bazillion Points.

Touted as "the last great rock 'n' roll memoir," McCoy's autobiography covers the legendary guitarist's life and exploits from childhood through the early 2000s rekindling of HANOI ROCKS. Growing up in Sweden and Finland, McCoy helped introduce punk to Finland with his teenaged band BRIARD before befriending glamorous Michael Monroe and forming HANOI ROCKS. Based in a Stockholm subway station, the band embarked on wild life-changing and death-defying thrill ride around the world, touring not just Europe, London, and America, but also Israel, Brazil, Thailand, and Japan. After HANOI ROCKS dissolved following the death of drummer Nicholas "Razzle" Dingley in Hollywood in December 1984, McCoy carried on with SUICIDE TWINS, CHERRY BOMBZ, a successful solo career, and a stint as a sideman to Iggy Pop.

A national icon in his native Finland, McCoy has been called the Finnish Keith Richards — except Richards only fell out of a coconut tree; Andy McCoy fell from a fourth-story balcony and lived to tell the tale. His over-the-top image and streetwise bending of punk, glam, and old-fashioned rock 'n' roll inspired a generation of platinum-selling bands — rock authors Slash of GUNS N' ROSES and Nikki Sixx of MÖTLEY CRÜE have already admitted their musical and stylistic debts. Now the real McCoy speaks from the heart on subjects including rock stardom, true love, his arsenal of vintage guitars, and surviving every imaginable variety of intoxication.

According to McCoy: "This book is entertainment for entertainment's sake, for lovers of rock 'n' roll history and people who have a taste for the macabre."

The 204-page hardcover English edition of "Sheriff McCoy: Legend of Hanoi Rocks" by Andy McCoy from Bazillion Points includes dozens of rare candid photos, a deluxe embossed cover, a lengthy select discography spanning three decades of rarities, and a new 2009 preface written byMcCoy after the final breakup of HANOI ROCKS.

Californian rockers STEEL PANTHER will support ZZ TOP on the following U.K. dates:

Oct. 27 - Wolverhampton, UK @ Civic Hall
Oct. 28 - London, UK @ Wembley Arena

Tickets go on sale on Friday, August 7 at 9:0 a.m., priced 37.50 for Wolverhampton and 40.00 for London (subject to booking fee) and available from LiveNation.co.uk.

STEEL PANTHER is the '80s metal/hard rock tribute band formerly known as METAL SKOOL. The group will release its first collection of original material, "Feel The Steel", in the U.S. on October 6. The CD, which was issued in the U.K. in June, was produced by Jay Ruston and will be available via iTunes on September 29 before finding its way to store shelves nationally the following week.

This mythical musical masterpiece has been 20 years in the making, with the band retuning in 2009 to reclaim their rightful place among metal music's heavyweights. Powered by audacious frontman Michael Starr's (real name Ralph Saenz; ex-L.A. GUNS) fearless vocal charge, the group ignites audiences from every walk of life with their unbridled valentine that goes right for the jugular of the heavy metal repertoire. Joining the effervescent Starr are STEEL PANTHER's Stix Zadinia on drums, Satchel (real name Russ Parrish; ex-FIGHT) on guitar, and bassist Lexxi Foxxx.

As word of STEEL PANTHER's return began to spread around the music community, a who's who of musical artists stepped up to join the band in reclaiming metals place among the top of the music landscape. Allison Robertson of THE DONNAS and Justin Hawkins from THE DARKNESS make an appearance on the STEEL PANTHER mantra number, "Party All Day". ANTHRAX's Scott Ian shows up on the soon-to-be international hit "Asian Hooker" alongside SLIPKNOT's Corey Taylor, who also appears on the soon-to-be classics "Eyes Of A Panther" and the first single, "Death To All But Metal".

The four-member band, known for its outrageous stage presence and gargantuan guitar riffs, has been entertaining fans and scores of rock and entertainment VIPs with its raucous antics via L.A.'s longest-running heavy metal show on the Sunset Strip for nearly a decade (now running at the infamous Key Club every Monday night). The band also holds residencies at the Green Valley Resort and Casino on Friday and Saturday in Las Vegas and the Typhoon Saloon in San Diego every Wednesday.